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The following article was posted on July 11th, 2013, in the New Times - Volume 27, Issue 50 [ Submit a Story ]

The following articles were printed from New Times [newtimesslo.com] - Volume 27, Issue 50

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Artifacts

Word me, Billy!

BY ANNA WELTNER

Shakespeare was a man of many words. I’m sure you expect me to describe his brilliance and command of the language with my own flowery brilliant prose, but that is way too much pressure for me, so … knock it off! The truth is that no one has come close to loving language and words quite like the Bard. I guess I can swallow my mediocrity a little easier knowing that we’re all losers when pitted against Billy “I’m Better Than You” Shakespeare. If this were high school, and Shakespeare were still alive, I would totally avoid that know-it-all at the lunch table.

Obviously jealousy is an ugly and distracting thing, because I’m supposed to be talking about one of the premier art events to hit the Central Coast: the 2013 Shakespeare Festival. Specifically, I’m going to tell you all about the July 18 and 25 “pay what you can” performances of this year’s production, Love’s Labour’s Lost. That’s right: If you’re a poor writer like me, a student, or working five jobs to pay for your dog’s insulin injections, this is the perfect opportunity to get some culture at the perfect price.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is the story of the King of Navarre and his closest friends and the oath they make to stave off women for three years to devote their time to academic pursuits. Of course this fortress of chastity holds water for all of 10 seconds before the fair and wonderful Princess of France and herlovely lady companions show up to make things difficult in the romance department. Vows break, hearts flutter, and love conquers them all in one of Shakespeare’s best romantic comedies.

The festival will be presenting Love’s Labour’s Lost July 11 through 27, but July 18 and 25 are the only shows where you can choose your price point. Of course, if you can afford to contribute the full ticket price, please do so and support these amazing people and their devotion to the local arts community. But if your budget is tight, just contribute what you can manage and thank the Bard, wherever he may be, for his part in helping you get the cheapest date night, ever.

Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. and the full ticket price is $25. To reserve tickets, visit centralcoastshakespeare.org. All performances will take the stage at the River Oaks Hot Springs at 800 Clubhouse Dr. in Paso Robles. There are no seats, so bring a blanket!